Balaclava-clad Man U fans’ ‘death threat’ to Rooney over possible Man City move

LONDON - A group of 40 Manchester United supporters, many wearing balaclavas and hooded tops, have warned the club’s striker Wayne Rooney against any move to arch rivals Manchester City.

According to the Guardian, the group had gathered outside Rooney’s house in Prestbury, Cheshire, with a banner reading “If you join City you’re dead”.

The incident occurred a couple of hours after United released a statement confirming that they had spent the day discussing Rooney’s future.

“We are aware there is intense public and media interest on the club at the moment. I can confirm a number of meetings have taken place, including with the player’s representative,” United Chief Executive David Gill said.

“The outcome of those meetings will become clear in the near future. In the meantime fans are asked to be patient,” he added.

Rooney had earlier confirmed that he is quitting Old Trafford, saying that he made his decision after failing to get any assurances about the club’s future from Gill.

“I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract,” Rooney had said in a statement.

“For me its all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified,” he added.

Rooney’s statement came hours after United manager Sir Alex Ferguson suggested that the 24-year-old was putting money ahead of loyalty and trust.

The former Everton player, whose current deal expires in June 2012, is understood to be angling for a pay hike to 200,000 pounds a week.

The amount would make him the highest paid player in the Premier League.

According to reports, Rooney is considering his options, and has told team-mates that he would not baulk at a move to Manchester City.

It is also believed that the striker is keen to force the issue before the January transfer window. (ANI)